DataVoN Selects Broadwing As Backbone For Voice-Over-IP Rollout; Choice Based on Superior Network Reliability, Capacity and Customer Service

Business Wire, July 27, 2000

Business Editors, High-Tech Writers

AUSTIN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 27, 2000

Broadwing Communications, a wholly owned subsidiary of Broadwing Inc. (NYSE:BRW), announced today that it has been chosen by DataVoN Inc. (OTCBB:ZNRG), a nationwide provider of Internet telephone and data services, to provide network services for the company's Voice over IP (VoIP) rollout.

Under the terms of the agreement, Broadwing will provide DataVoN broadband access to its 17,000 mile, nationwide network and collocation services throughout the country. Broadwing's network solutions give DataVoN the necessary coast-to-coast infrastructure to quickly deploy a state-of-the-art, national VoIP network.

DataVoN chose Broadwing for its stellar reputation of providing superior network capabilities and a high level of customer support that is critical to making VoIP a success. Also, Broadwing is providing a creative solution that allows DataVoN to pay for additional network capacity as the need arises, reducing the company's operating costs during ramp-up.

"For DataVoN's VoIP network expansion to continue on schedule, we must have access to the fastest, most reliable network in the industry. After examining several networks, Broadwing was the clear-cut choice," said Hugh Simpson, president and CEO of DataVoN. "Along with offering superior network technology, Broadwing is also nimble enough to provide us the flexible services that you just can't find with the other providers, and backs it up with their installation guarantee."

There are two key benefits of Voice over IP networks: First, VoIP allows more traffic to be passed over a network than typically allowed in a "switched" scenario. Second, cost per minute is significantly less on a VoIP platform than traditional networks.

"Once again, another leading-edge company, has examined the top network providers, and chosen Broadwing as superior in network design and capacity, functionality, and customer service," said Rick Pontin, president and COO of Broadwing Communications. "Broadwing continues to deploy new technologies and applications, like fully optical networking and IPVPN, well ahead of our competitors, placing our valuable customers, like DataVoN, in the best position to lead their own industries into the future."

On July 11, 2000 DataVoN announced the planned deployment of a major upgrade of its network to serve customers in the western region of the United States. The enhanced services are expected to become operational by the end of July 2000. The agreement with Broadwing is an important step in DataVoN's continued rollout of its domestic network operations.

DataVoN Inc. (www.datavon.com) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Zydeco Energy, Inc., through a merger announced June 9, 2000. DataVoN combines voice and data traffic types on its packet switched network, providing customers such as interexchange carriers, Internet Service Providers and the Post Telephone & Telegraph Authority with a single source for the economical origination, transport and termination of VoIP-based data and voice traffic. DataVoN is presently operating in 13 domestic markets and is headquartered in Richardson, Texas.

About Broadwing

Broadwing Communications is a wholly owned subsidiary of Broadwing Inc (NYSE:BRW). Broadwing combines unparalleled customer service with the industry's most advanced and flexible 17,000 mile next-generation fiber optic network and award-winning IP backbone, to create data and Internet solutions that are innovative, reliable, and provide businesses a competitive advantage. Broadwing will be the first provider with a fully-deployed optical network and sets the standard for customer accountability with the industry's only Installation Guarantee. Headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio and Austin, Texas with 6,000 employees in 52 sales and service offices across the country, Broadwing can be found on the Web at www.broadwing.com.